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J. S. Bach and Pietism
by Don O Franklin
Up to this point in our study, we have traced Bach's encounters
with pietism from his early childhood in Ohrdruf to his first
position of importance, namely, that of organist in
Mühlhausen. In the process of retracing Bach's steps, we have
uncovered evidence indicating that he did not reject pietism out
of hand, as earlier studies have concluded, but, rather, that he
accepted, and often sought out, positions in places where it
flourished. The evidence has come to light in a wide variety of
sources: historical studies of German cities and provinces;
biographical sketches of superintendents and pastors, as well as
city and court officials; new research on the historical, social,
and theological contexts of pietism; and, finally, the music
itself. Rarely is the evidence explicit; often it is fragmentary.
Taken together, however, it conveys a new image of Bach.
